ADHD Treatments For Adults
Most doctors recommend stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine. They can help regulate the levels of two chemical messengers inside the brain. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and antidepressants can alleviate symptoms, but they operate slower.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help adults learn techniques to improve organization and planning. Coaching and psychotherapy are effective in improving social functioning.
Medicines
If you have ADHD you may benefit from taking medication to alleviate the symptoms. Some people find they feel better after changing their diet or taking supplements. However they should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional. Other treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as family counseling. Certain adults with ADHD have difficulty staying on medication However, they should talk to their doctors and ask for help. Certain medications are available for purchase over the counter and others require a prescription.
Most medicines prescribed for ADHD help by increasing the levels of dopamine inside your brain, which reduces the impulsivity and increases concentration. Some of the most popular medications are stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. These are considered to be the most effective in ADHD treatment, however they can have adverse effects. Cardiovascular problems are some of the most serious side effects. The stimulant medication can also trigger symptoms like eye blinking and throat clearing. These medications may also delay growth in adolescents and children by just a few months.
Nonstimulant drugs are often prescribed to people who suffer from adverse reactions to stimulants that are not tolerated or are at risk of developing heart issues. These are mostly norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. They're not as effective as stimulants, but they are safe and don't carry the potential for abuse that certain people experience with stimulant medications.
You can try to reduce your ADHD symptoms without medication by following a planned schedule, making and sticking to a budget, improving your organizational skills, gaining knowledge about your disorder, and developing strategies to manage your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the best ways to manage your disorder. You can also find many helpful resources on the website of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association.
Your relationships could be strained due to your ADHD symptoms. You can improve your relationships by speaking with a therapist and taking conflict resolution classes. You can also improve your relationships by helping them understand how ADHD affects you, and also recognizing that some of your actions are not intended to be mean-spirited.
Therapy
ADHD in adulthood can result in significant social, emotional, and occupational repercussions. This includes lower academic performance, higher rates of job failure and transfer, poor work performance as well as a higher number of car accidents, and higher divorce rates than the general population (Spencer and colleagues 2007). Adults suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. People with comorbid conditions might be more difficult to respond to stimulant medication (Barkley & Gordon, 2002).
A thorough history of the patient is essential, since many medical conditions can manifest similar to symptoms of ADHD. Patients suffering from developmental disorders, seizure disorder sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders should be evaluated more closely. treating adult add who are active in their addiction to substances, or those with certain medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure are contraindicated from receiving stimulant treatments (Greenhill 2001).
Psychosocial therapy encompasses psychoeducation and behavioral therapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Psychoeducation involves teaching patients about their condition and its impact on different aspects of their lives and relationships. Psychoeducation can also help improve self-esteem in patients who often suffer from stigmas, such as being viewed as lazy or less intelligent.
The goal of the therapy for adults who suffer from ADHD, is to improve their abilities to manage their time and teach them better ways to organize their time. This will decrease the chance of missing appointments or making impulsive decisions that can cause issues at work, school or in their personal lives. This kind of therapy can help improve relationships with their children, spouse and colleagues.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adults who suffer from ADHD is geared towards helping people to change their negative behaviors. This kind of therapy is extremely efficient in improving the functioning of those suffering from ADHD especially when it is combined with family therapy and psychoeducation. The process of educating patients and significant others about ADHD can reduce the tendency to blame each other for the problems caused by the patient's inability manage his or her own behavior. Classes that help couples and families how to communicate more effectively and to develop techniques for conflict resolution can help.
Counseling
A well-designed treatment plan will address the symptoms of ADHD and their effects on school, work and the family. It includes non-stimulant and stimulant medications as along with psychosocial treatment, notably cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients change their thinking about their behavior. It also teaches patients how to manage their symptoms, and improve their relationships with their family and friends.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are many different types of stimulant drugs, each with their own benefits and adverse effects. The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine that are available under many different brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Other drugs used to treat ADHD are atomoxetine, which works by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that passes messages between brain cells, and viloxazine, which is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Viloxazine and atomoxetine are both used to treat ADHD among adults, as they have a less gradual onset than stimulants. They are also available to those who are unable to use stimulants due to other health issues or experience severe side effects.
It's important to recognize that co-occurring disorders can cause symptoms of ADHD, so the presence and severity of any other condition should be considered when making the ADHD diagnosis. It's also crucial to rule out physical reasons for the symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or hearing and vision problems.
Certain patients may be able to reduce their ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes. It is important to consult a physician prior to eliminating any foods. This could result in nutritional deficiencies and should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or dietician. Another option is counseling, which helps patients manage their symptoms and build stronger relationships with their families. Counseling can help spouses understand that the patient's behavior not necessarily a sign they are unloving or malicious.
Education
Both patients and doctors are often confused by the diagnosis of ADHD. It's not uncommon for other mental health disorders to coexist the disorder, and some medications and medical conditions can also produce symptoms that mimic those of ADHD.
Many of these issues can be addressed with treatment or lifestyle changes. A person suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking supplements or adjusting their diet to improve their eating habits. Behavioral therapy can help him to better resist distractions and impulsiveness, improve his concentration and self-control. A doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a mindfulness meditation practice that can help manage emotions and improve attention.
A complete history of symptoms is essential, as is a physical examination. A doctor can also look for sleep apnea as well as other conditions like problems with vision and hearing thyroid disorders, drug or alcohol abuse and lead poisoning. In addition to determining the presence of a root cause, these tests can help rule out or reduce the effects of other disorders that might cause a patient's ADHD-like behavior.
Most often, stimulants are prescribed by doctors for ADHD. They include dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate as well as Concerta and Adderall. Nonstimulant drugs might include guanfacine or clonidine, which are blood pressure medicines that can help with hyperactivity and impulsivity, however they might take longer to start working and may cause negative side effects like constipation, heartburn, and low sexual drive.
People suffering from ADHD frequently have trouble keeping appointments, are late for work, and make irrational choices that strain the patience of even the most tolerant family members and friends. Couples therapy or classes to improve communication skills can help sufferers build stable relationships.
Exercise, diet, and stress reduction all can play a part in managing ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have found that removing certain foods or taking supplements can help them, but it's important to consult a physician before trying these therapies. If you try this without consulting a doctor it could result in nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.